{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"1633f0b935f7a2a87bf6c3fe","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/1633f0b935f7a2a87bf6c3fe","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/1633f0b935f7a2a87bf6c3fe","title":"Optical Engineer","description":"Job Title: Optical Engineer – Manufacturing & TestingLocation: Torrance, CABase Salary Range: $100,000 – $145,000 / year (commensurate with experience)Travel: Up to 15–20% international travel (China)Position OverviewCelestron is seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer to join our team in Torrance, CA. Working closely with our Senior Optical Engineer, you will drive optical design, precision manufacturing processes, and testing standards for world-class astronomical instruments—specifically Schmidt corrector plates and telescope systems.This role is onsite at our Torrance location. It splits time between design analysis/office work (50%) and cleanroom/optical shop testing (50%). You will serve as a technical bridge between our domestic engineering group and overseas manufacturing facilities to ensure top-tier optical quality and manufacturing yieldKey ResponsibilitiesOptical Manufacturing & Block Engineering: Master and support the fabrication process for Schmidt corrector plates and master blocks. Collaborate with mechanical engineers and machinists to build and document precision optical test fixtures.Optical Testing & QA: Perform hands-on optical testing to qualify components and assemblies. Establish concise test procedures and document hand-offs for Quality Assurance teams in Torrance and overseas.Overseas Factory Support: Collaborate with overseas manufacturing partners to troubleshoot production line issues, monitor optical tooling, and provide technical guidance.Design & Analysis: Utilize Zemax software to analyze optical systems, ray-tracing charts, and coating performances (single- and multi-layer optical coatings).Lab & Prototype Management: Organize and log engineering prototypes, sample inventories, and digital servers. Maintain an organized, safe optical engineering lab environment.Vendor & Supply Chain Coordination: Interface with domestic vendors to source optical components and specialized services; work alongside Purchasing to process POs.Qualifications & SkillsRequired:Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.Technical Aptitude: Strong foundational knowledge of classical and applied mechanics/physics; high mechanical aptitude for hands-on fixture assembly and optical bench testing.Software: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.Communication: Clear written and verbal English communication skills; comfortable presenting ideas and documenting procedures.Travel Flexibility: Ability to travel internationally to manufacturing plants in China (typically 2–3 trips per year for 2–3 weeks at a time).Preferred / Desired:Experience with or basic proficiency in Zemax Optical Design Software (willingness to gain proficiency on the job is required).Mandarin language fluency (highly desirable for factory cross-communication).Background or personal passion for astronomical telescopes and opto-mechanical assemblies.Core CompetenciesQuality & Detail Focus: Uncompromising standards for optical accuracy, documentation consistency, and lab organization.Adaptable Problem Solver: Self-starter attitude with a sense of urgency and strong judgment when making independent shop-floor decisions.Collaborative Mindset: Exceptional teamwork skills when working across cross-functional departments (Machinists, QA, Purchasing, Management) and international partners.To apply, please send us your resume and cover letter to jobs@celestron.com","company":"Celestron","rawCompany":"celestron","city":"Orange","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-09-24T07:22:27.583Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2112.03","title":"Manufacturing Engineers","slug":"manufacturing-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"17-2199.07","title":"Photonics Engineers","slug":"photonics-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"},{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"334516","title":"Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Optical Engineer","description":"Job Title: Optical Engineer – Manufacturing & TestingLocation: Torrance, CABase Salary Range: $100,000 – $145,000 / year (commensurate with experience)Travel: Up to 15–20% international travel (China)Position OverviewCelestron is seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer to join our team in Torrance, CA. Working closely with our Senior Optical Engineer, you will drive optical design, precision manufacturing processes, and testing standards for world-class astronomical instruments—specifically Schmidt corrector plates and telescope systems.This role is onsite at our Torrance location. It splits time between design analysis/office work (50%) and cleanroom/optical shop testing (50%). You will serve as a technical bridge between our domestic engineering group and overseas manufacturing facilities to ensure top-tier optical quality and manufacturing yieldKey ResponsibilitiesOptical Manufacturing & Block Engineering: Master and support the fabrication process for Schmidt corrector plates and master blocks. Collaborate with mechanical engineers and machinists to build and document precision optical test fixtures.Optical Testing & QA: Perform hands-on optical testing to qualify components and assemblies. Establish concise test procedures and document hand-offs for Quality Assurance teams in Torrance and overseas.Overseas Factory Support: Collaborate with overseas manufacturing partners to troubleshoot production line issues, monitor optical tooling, and provide technical guidance.Design & Analysis: Utilize Zemax software to analyze optical systems, ray-tracing charts, and coating performances (single- and multi-layer optical coatings).Lab & Prototype Management: Organize and log engineering prototypes, sample inventories, and digital servers. Maintain an organized, safe optical engineering lab environment.Vendor & Supply Chain Coordination: Interface with domestic vendors to source optical components and specialized services; work alongside Purchasing to process POs.Qualifications & SkillsRequired:Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.Technical Aptitude: Strong foundational knowledge of classical and applied mechanics/physics; high mechanical aptitude for hands-on fixture assembly and optical bench testing.Software: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.Communication: Clear written and verbal English communication skills; comfortable presenting ideas and documenting procedures.Travel Flexibility: Ability to travel internationally to manufacturing plants in China (typically 2–3 trips per year for 2–3 weeks at a time).Preferred / Desired:Experience with or basic proficiency in Zemax Optical Design Software (willingness to gain proficiency on the job is required).Mandarin language fluency (highly desirable for factory cross-communication).Background or personal passion for astronomical telescopes and opto-mechanical assemblies.Core CompetenciesQuality & Detail Focus: Uncompromising standards for optical accuracy, documentation consistency, and lab organization.Adaptable Problem Solver: Self-starter attitude with a sense of urgency and strong judgment when making independent shop-floor decisions.Collaborative Mindset: Exceptional teamwork skills when working across cross-functional departments (Machinists, QA, Purchasing, Management) and international partners.To apply, please send us your resume and cover letter to jobs@celestron.com","datePosted":"2026-09-24T07:22:27.583Z","dateModified":"2026-09-24T07:22:27.583Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Celestron","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Orange","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"1633f0b935f7a2a87bf6c3fe"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/1633f0b935f7a2a87bf6c3fe"}}